Adventure Associates Travel Slideshows

A funny thing happened on the way to our vacations. . . a female friend who recently embarked on a round-the-world trip, starting in Bangkok, was express-mailed Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Eat Pray Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesiafrom someone prior to her departure from the U.S. I’m about to split the scene too, and numerous friends have recommended this book, which Gilbert wrote following a trip inspired by “divorce and despair.” Neither divorced nor in despair, we contemplated the other myriad reasons a young woman might travel alone. A locally based company called Adventure Associates—why, yes, I wouldlike to be associated with adventure—has been hosting free slideshowsall month on various out-of-the-way excursions, and today’s focuses on their suggestions for women. Highlighting a safari in Botswana, a trek to Machu Picchu, a journey up Mt. Kilimanjaro, and more, you’ll get to hear stories from women who’ve been there. And you can start brainstorming your own, even if it’s just down to the beautiful Oregon Coast. Camp Long Lodge, 5200 35th Ave. S.W., 932-8352. Free. 10:30 a.m. RACHEL SHIMP
Sat., March 15, 10:30 a.m., 2008